Toscana Living

AUGUST 2017

Living

INSIDE CHEERS AND BEERS

FRIDA KAHLO

S’MORES GALORE

Toscana Lifestyle A WORD FROM THE LIFESTYLE DIRECTOR

TL

By Chris Reeder, Lifestyle Director

Communication Channels We are living in a world where we are continuously connected.

Here at Toscana, we have a Facebook page, “Toscana Living” for resident members. Although Instagram, Twitter and Facebook are all popular, Facebook is most used by our community.

If you are an “average user”, then you probably are spending about 50 minutes per day on your social media platforms! Often times social media can seem like the most convenient way to communicate.

Toscana Living is currently a public page where we post information about upcoming events, meetings, pictures, and post reminders from time to time. This page is also used to promote our VIP partners and any specials they may be offering to Toscana residents. If you aren’t following the page already, be sure to visit and hit the “like” button to stay up to date on resident events! Also, feel free to share your positive program feedback and photos on Toscana Living.

Although there is no denying that social media is a growing and useful tool, we ask that you communicate with your Toscana team through email, phone, or in person.

This allows us to be more efficient in addressing any individual questions or concerns you may have. If your email address has changed or if you are not receiving email updates from us, please email me to ensure you are included in future communications.

TOSCANA SIGNATURE EVENTS FUN FRIDAY SOCIALS Fridays in July at 5 PM, Palazzo Grande Come together to meet new people and socialize with your neighbors at this non-hosted neighborhood gathering. Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided (while supplies last). The Fun Friday Socials are free. Please RSVP by Thursdays at noon.

CHEERS & BEERS Thursday August 3, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM, Palazzo Grande RSVP by August 2 It’s always great day to sample some hops! Cheers & Beers will celebrate your favorite beer with a sampling party. Bring a 6-pack of your favorite to the office before the end of the day on August 2 for everyone to try during this blind tasting. Snacks & non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. Be prepared for a little beer trivia & a great time!

5450 E. Deer Valley Drive Building 2 Phoenix, AZ 85054 www.toscanaliving.net Phone: 480-585-0808 Fax: 480-585-2859 Night Manager: 480-861-0875 STAFF Dick Rosenhagen, CAMM, CMCA Community Manager drosenhagen@toscanaliving.net Nicole Careaga, CMCA Assistant Community Manager ncareaga@toscanaliving.net Christine Reeder Lifestyle Director creeder@toscanaliving.net Alicja Davis Concierge adavis@toscanaliving.net Kevin Wiegel Administrative Assistant kwiegel@toscanaliving.net NIGHT MANAGERS: Don Meeks dmeeks@toscanaliving.net Jackie Hernandez hhernandez@toscanaliving.net MAINTENANCE: John Raabe Maintenance Supervisor jraabe@toscanaliving.net Keith Buc Maintenance Tech Ignacio Santana Porter

ON THE COVER Our Furry Friend Paco

Toscana Living | 3

TL

Toscana Lifestyle PARENT’S NIGHT OUT - SMURFS LOST VILLAGE Friday, August 11, 6:00 PM to 8 PM at the Palazzo Vacanza Parent’s Night Out (Grandparent’s too!)- Kid’s Night IN! Pajama party for Toscana’s smallest residents with coloring, pizza and a movie (Smurfs this month). Bring a blanket, stuffie or pillow for the movie.

There are two volunteer spaces for this event.

SUNDAY SUNDAE BAR Sunday, August 13, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, Palazzo Grande RSVP by August 12 What is better than having a cold Sundae on a hot summer day? Why building your own custom sundae, of course! Come build (and eat!) your own in the Palazzo Grande on Sunday, August 13.

FRIDA KAHLO AND DIEGO RIVERA AT THE HEARD MUSEUM Tuesday, August 15, 2017 from 10:45 AM to 2:15 PM RSVP by August 11 Cost: $19, includes tranportation Works by famed Mexican artists Frida Kahlo & Diego Rivera are on display at the Heard Museum, including Kahlo’s Self Portrait with Monkeys & Rivera’s Calla Lilly Vendor. In addition to paintings, the exhibit offers visitors a chance to see more than 50 photographs taken by Frida’s father. It’s the exhibit’s only North American stop on a world tour!

EDWARD JONES SEMINAR Thursday, August 17, 2017 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM, Palazzzo Centro Let’s focus on maintaining and improving your credit! We will discuss the importance of a budget as it relates to your credit during this presentation. Afterwards there will be time for your specific questions. Kevin, Edward Jones representative, will also provide a light lunch.

MELLOW MUSHROOM HAPPY HOUR Tuesday, August 22, 2017 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM Mellow Mushroom on High Street RSVP by August 21 Cost: $5 Meet your neighbors for a snack and a drink over at the Mellow Mushroom! Included in your ticket are appetizers and one non-alcoholic or well beverage. Come for the fun and stay for dinner! Bring your wallet as the tab will close out at 7pm.

PUPSICLES ON THE PALAZZO Saturday, August 26, 2017 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, in front of Palazzo Grande RSVP by August 25 Fur family members need a break from the heat too! Buddies are welcome to meet up in front of Palazzo Grande to meet new friends and have a Pupsicle. Please RSVP for your cool treat!

Toscana Living | 4

Toscana Lifestyle

TL

BOARD GAME DAY Saturday, August 26, 2017 from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, Palazzo Grande RSVP by August 25 Lunch orders must be placed by August 25, $12 per person It’s hot outside! Come in & play a variety of board games with your neighbors on Saturday, August 26. Boxed lunches are available for purchase (from Panera Bread), or bring your own lunch! Salad choices include: Caesar Salad, Spicy Thai Salad (both with chicken). Sandwich boxes include: Napa Almond Chicken Salad, Ham & Swiss, Italian, or Veggie.

S’MORES GALORE INDOORS Wednesday, August 30, 2017 from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Palazzo Grande RSVP by August 29 What better way to celebrate National Toasted Marshmallow Day (yes, it’s a day), than to toast up some S’mores! A selection of different s’more flavors will be available to sample along with non-alcoholic beverages.

Join your neighbors in the Palazzo Grande from 5-6pm for a tasty treat!

TOSCANA POTLUCK Thursday, August 31, 2017 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Palazzo GrandeRSVP by August 30 Join your neighbors for an indoor potluck with a picnic theme. Bring your favorite picnic food (service for six) to the Palazzo Grande for an “Arizona Summer” style potluck picnic - in the air conditioning!

IMPORTANT RSVP INFORMATION PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL RSVPS AND CORRESPONDING PAYMENTS ARE DUE NO LATER THAN 5PM ON THE DAY OF THE RSVP DEADLINE. All RSVP’s without payment collected by the deadline will be considered invalid. Unless noted otherwise, all RSVP’s can be made by dropping correct change or a check to Toscana Association in a clearly marked envelope inside the drop box by the Lifestyle Director’s office in Palazzo Centro. Alternatively, you may register by clicking on the RSVP option included in the weekly email blast and you will automatically receive the payment link. We regret to inform you that late RSVP’s cannot be accepted after the deadline, and that refunds cannot be issued except in the case that Toscana cancels an event. Your cooperation with these policies helps ensure that our vendors have the notice they require, that we steward assessment dollars appropriately and avoid needless waste, and that the event experience is as smooth and enjoyable as possible for participants.

Toscana Living | 5

Toscana Lifestyle

TL

CONCIERGE CORNER

By Alicja Davis, Concierge

AUGUST LOCAL AREA EVENTS Steve Martin and Martin Short Sunday, August 13, 2017 8:00 PM Comerica Theatre (formerly Dodge Theatre) 400 West Washington, Phoenix

Saturday Night Fever Arizona Broadway Theatre 7701 W. Paradise Lane Peoria Through August 20 Free Summer Sundays Heard Museum 2301 N. Central Ave. Phoenix The Little Mermaid Hale Centre Theatre 50 W Page Ave Gilbert, AZ Through August 19

Free Family Weekends at Phoenix Art Museum Second Weekend of Each Month Phoenix Art Museum 1625 N. Central Ave. Phoenix, AZ Deep Purple & Alice Cooper Tuesday, August 15, 2017 6:30 PM Ak-Chin Pavilion 2121 N. 83rd Ave. Phoenix

Solar Eclipse Viewing at Arizona Science Center Arizona Science Center 600 E Washington Street Phoenix, AZ August 21, 2017 Tuesday Night Classics at the Harkins Theatres Tuesdays at 7:00PM

Toscana Living | 6

Toscana Lifestyle This month, we are pleased to showcase a new VIP Partner:

TL

CLUBS AND CLASSES

PerPETual Love Pet Sitting BILLIARDS CLUB: Wednesdays at 1:00pm, Billiards Room in Palazzo Grande RUMMYCUBE CLUB: Second and fourth Tuesday each month, Palazzo Grande at 1pm HIKING CLUB: Will resume in November SINGLE LADIES NIGHT OUT: Will resume in September MAHJONG CLUB: Mondays at 6:30pm, Palazzo Grande STUD POKER CLUB: Wednesdays at 6:00pm, Palazzo Grande. Bring $5 and your poker face.

Contact Phil Labue at 480-513-3615.

BOOK CLUB: On break until September 20 Guarantee them a great day while you’re away!

PerPETual Love Pet Sitting provides professional, loving, and trustworthy pet care in your home. Whether you are in need of pet sitting, dog walking, or pet transportation, PLPS can help! They are insured and bonded, and offer clients a convenient on-line portal to register, schedule services, and even pay on-line.

Kristine, owner and Toscana resident, understands the lengths pet parents will go through to guarantee the most dependable loving care in their absence.

Her priority is to provide you with that peace of mind.

Please see the website for additional info or give her a call today at 616-308-5164.

HAND & FOOT CLUB: Thursdays at 6pm, Palazzo Grande. Contact Marge at 480-585-0494 FANTASY BASEBALL LEAGUE: Contact Gil Berkowitz at 602-881-6272 or 480-998-2135 VIP CLUB CARD: Stop by the concierge office if you have not received your VIP Club Card.

COFFEE SOCIAL: Each Wednesday and Friday at 9:00am in Palazzo Grande Kitchen If you’re interested in starting a new club, please let us know!

Toscana Living | 7

In and Around Toscana

TL

MANAGER TIDBITS

By Dick Rosenhagen, Community Manager

Summer Projects

in the Maintenance Association and two projects in the Condo Association as follows:

Toscana is a beautiful community with a unique theme that represents a wonderful place to call home.

Maintenance Association Community Enhancement Projects

As we continue through summer you will find a number of enhancements to the community. Your Board of Directors and Management team is committed to maintaining and enhancing your community to benefit the residents in Toscana.

1. Additional benches that will match the current benches in the community will be installed at the following locations: • One bench at Building 10 • Two benches at Dante’s Corner • One bench at the main entrance outside of the gate 2. The flagstone in Dante’s Corner will have repairs completed to fix the uneven flagstone.

3. The West Gate will be extended to remove the gap between the gate and the road.

At the July Board of Directors Meetings for the Condo Association, the Board approved the following Reserve projects: 1. All of the Building Hallways and stairwells will be repainted. There will be a new paint scheme that will match the colors in Building 10 and will include changing the ceilings, doors, trim and baseboard to white.

2. Following the painting of the building hallways, we will be installing a new carpet throughout each building. The original carpet has looked great for many years, but it is time to bring in the new look.

In addition to the Reserve projects, the Board reviewed many Community Enhancement items that have been discussed in the past. The Board approved four projects

Toscana Living | 8

4. A dual port electric vehicle charging station will be installed in the parking area just west of Casita Building 13. This is a great benefit to the community for resale values and will help the owners who currently have electric vehicles.

Condominium Association Community Enhancement Projects: 1. Building 10 kitchen will be renovated to include a commercial stove and oven. This will benefit the lifestyle events and rentals for this area.

2. We will be installing Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in the Building 25 and Building 10 gyms.

Please be watching for email blasts and postings for updates on all of these projects that will benefit this great community.

Toscana Events and Programs Clubs

August 2017 Monday

Sunday

Events Association

Tuesday

Wednesday 1

7

8

MAHJONG CLUB PG 6:30PM

13 SUNDAY SUNDAE BAR PG 1PM

20

MAHJONG CLUB PG 6:30PM

RUMMYCUBE PG 1PM FRIDA KAHLO HEARD MUSEUM 10:45AM

21 MAHJONG CLUB PG 6:30PM

27

15

MELLOW MUSHROOM HAPPY HOUR OFFSITE 6PM

28 MAHJONG CLUB PG 6:30PM

9

23 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM BILLIARDS PG 1PM POKER CLUB PG 6PM

29 RUMMYCUBE PG 1PM

16 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM BILLIARDS PG 1PM POKER CLUB PG 6PM

22

Friday

30 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM BILLIARDS PG 1PM POKER CLUB PG 6PM S’MORES GALORE PG 5PM

Saturday

3 HAND & FOOT PG 6PM CHEERS & BEERS PG 5:30PM

COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM BILLIARDS PG 1PM POKER CLUB PG 6PM

14

Thursday

2 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM BILLIARDS PG 1PM POKER CLUB PG 6PM

6

TL

10 HAND & FOOT PG 6PM

17 HAND & FOOT PG 6PM EDWARD JONES CREDIT SEMINAR PC 11:30AM

24 HAND & FOOT PG 6PM

4

5

11

12

COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM FRIDAY SOCIAL PG 5PM

COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM PARENTS NIGHT OUT PV 6:00PM FRIDAY SOCIAL PG 5PM

18

19

COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM FRIDAY SOCIAL PG 5PM

25 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM FRIDAY SOCIAL PG 5PM

26 PUPSICLES ON THE PALAZZO PG 10AM BOARD GAME DAY PG 12PM

31 HAND & FOOT PG 6PM TOSCANA POTLUCK PG 5PM

Toscana Living | 9

TL

In and Around Toscana UBER CAR SERVICE

by Kevin Wiegel

As Uber becomes ever more popular, it is important to remind those calling for a ride of a few things (the below is true of all ride services; Uber, however, is particularly problematic):

property. However, this also requires all of our residents to be a little bit proactive to alleviate gate back ups and avoid delays in getting guests onto the property. Your assistance in this matter is greatly appreciated.

First, as with all of your guests, it is your responsibility to notify the gate prior to the guests’ arrival, either through DwellingLIVE or a phone call.

Uber drivers will not know your unit number or last name (in most cases). This means they lack the basic information necessary to contact you and get through the gate. Imagine an unmarked car pulling up and saying they are here to get John... they aren’t going to make it past the gate.

Uber vehicles are the driver’s personal vehicle - this means they are not identified as Uber vehicles (as opposed to taxi or Super Shuttle that are clearly identifiable).

Because the driver is different with each Uber ride, and the cars are not marked, simply putting Uber on your DwellingLIVE authorization list will not suffice.

If you haven’t called the gate and the driver actually does have your full name or unit number, a call from the gate is still necessary to make sure you authorize this person through the gate.

You must treat Uber as a guest, notify the gate prior to pick up or wait on the curb to be picked up. Uber drivers will be turned away if they do not have the proper information to identify a resident by full name or unit number.

Remember, the easiest way to get an Uber ride is to schedule it and call the on duty guard at 480-513-0602 to notify them.

Gated community is ideal for maintaining security of the

Toscana Living | 10

Do pick up after your pet Do dispose of grease in your garbage Do be sure to park in your assigned space Do register your guests in Dwelling Live Do say something if you see something that requires attention Don’t use extension leashes Don’t put vegetable clippings in your disposal Don’t hang towels on your balcony Don’t potty your pets on the turf Don’t use glass containers in the pool area And lastly, DO thank a neighbor for doing their part in keeping our community safe!

In and Around Toscana

TL

ASSISTANT MANAGER UPDATES

By Nicole Careaga, Assistant Manager

TEAMWORK IS KEY As Dick discusses in his article this month, the Toscana Board of Directors has approved some major projects that are going to update and enhance the look and feel here at Toscana.

With the re-painting and installation of carpet in all of the residential buildings, you can expect there to be an immense amount of communication heading your way over the upcoming months. During these projects, there will be times in which the hallways may not be easily accessible, or potentially completely blocked off.

We want to be sure that as residents, you are always aware of where the projects stands, and on what days might you be the most affected. We plan to move through the property a building at a time, and once finalized, a schedule will be posted throughout the community.

The team will be hanging flyers, posting signage, and sending emails.

Building 1 current carpet and paint

Now more than ever is a great time to be sure you receive all of the necessary communications from us. I also ask that you share information with your neighbors, make sure they get our e-blasts, and have seen the postings.

We are one team here at Toscana, and want to make sure that we are all working together to make this project run smooth.

If you have friends in the community that are currently out of state, please also let them know about the upcoming project, so everyone knows what to expect.

Lastly, if you plan on moving out during the time of carpet installation and hallway painting, please give us plenty of notice to avoid any potential delays.

Should you have any questions, please reach out to me, or any member of the team.

Building 15 current carpet and paint Happy August, Toscana!

Toscana Living | 11

TL

In and Around Toscana SUMMER SPOTLIGHT SERIES John Raabe

Up until recently, John was Toscana’s night manager and shortly after - a maintenance tech working alongside Frank Young.

He was quickly recognized as a hard worker, and an exceptionally fast learner. After Frank pursued opportunity in another CCMC community, John rejoined Toscana as the new head of maintenance - and we’re very happy to have him back!

John was born in Culver City, California and his parents moved to Mesa, Arizona where he has maintained his residence ever since. After graduating high school in 2003, he attempted college but quickly realized he was not ready and decided to join the Marine Corps.

He enlisted as Infantry, but while in training he passed the reconnaissance test and after the completion of infantry training he went to 1st Reconnaissance Battalion where he began five months of reconnaissance training.

As he became a reconnaissance marine he was sent to SERE (Survival Evasion Resistance Escape) and shortly after he attended the jump school to become parachutist.

In 2006 he was deployed on the 15th MEU (Marine Expeditionary Unit) where along with other marines he sailed to Hawaii, Singapore and the Maldives before they were sent into Iraq.

He spent six months in Ar Rutbah, in the Al Anbar province in Iraq, clearing out the city of insurgents. The

Toscana Living | 12

ship he was on stopped in Australia and Hawaii heading back home. He had only seven months left of his four -year contract, after which he decided to get out of the Marines and try to become a helicopter pilot.

Once he realized the cost of education to become a pilot was extremely high, John started looking at other options.

He found out he could go into the army and become a warrant officer - and fly helicopters. He enlisted as a mechanic, went to school for that and planned to drop his warrant officer packet right after school, but when he was sent to his unit he was told he would be deployed again.

He went to Afghanistan as a team leader on the PSD (personal security detail) for the Sergeant Major and Colonel of the Battalion.

After a year in Afghanistan he returned home and began preparing his warrant officer packet. Once he finally completed it, he only had 11 months left in his service which wasn’t enough time to sumbit his paperwork per the requirements. At that point, he made a decision to leave the army.

He enrolled at ASU to become a commercial airline pilot.

He was able to get his private pilot license and a multi -engine license, but ran out of veterans benefits before he could complete the degree.

He began working at Toscana as a night manager for Building 10 and switched over to maintenance shorlty after. “I had a short sabbatical where I tried out a different path, but I decided to come back to Toscana.”

John has been married for 11 years and has four children.

In and Around Toscana

TL

Melanzane which consists of eggplant, chicken, sun dried tomatoes, garlic, and white wine sauce served in a bowl fantastic! The spinach salad was also very nice and fresh... superb!

RESTAURANT REVIEW BY ‘TOSCANA FIVE’ Nick’s Italian At Pinnacle Peak 23417 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale 480-515-0096 Hours: 11 - 2pm and 4 - 9:30pm

We recommend this restaurants and the nice shopping after at My Sister’s Closet and My Sister’s Attic located in the same strip mall.

Entering Nick’s Italian we were greeted with a friendly welcome and offered choices of where to sit.

The restaurant’s decor is contemporary. Some of us wanted to make changes when ordering our meal and there was no problem to accomodate our request.

Among the ordered menu items was the Italian Combo Hero Sandwich - which was very tasty. The Eggplant Parpesan was a popular choice with our group and everyone agreed it was delicious. One lady had it with the marinara sauce and another tried it with alfredo both options very flavorful. We also ordered Linguini

ACCREDITED BUSINESS ®

Toscana Living | 13

TL

Photo Gallery

Congratulations to our Big Brain Trivia winners The “Table One” team!

Toscana Living | 14

Photo Gallery

TL

Toscana Living | 15

TL

In and Around Toscana MOVIE REVIEW: BABY DRIVER

By Gil Berkowitz

BABY DRIVER SPEED AND MUSIC - FUN RIDE For you summer movie fans looking for a slick, stylish fun film “Baby Driver” is it. The movie starts off with and opening car chase with kick-butt music that makes it seem operatic. Eric Wright directs this flashy and original film very carefully and does a meticulous job of telling a story about a getaway driver who can’t drive without music.

Baby (Ansel Elgort) is a getaway driver who has worked for an Atlanta crime kingpin Doc (Kevin Spacey) for a long time. He has debts to pay-off and each time he drives on a robbery he reduces his debt. Baby is the best wheelman you can find. He gets his nickname because he speaks very little. But once he puts his earbuds in and puts his sunglasses on every robbery becomes a symphony of tunes tailored to every move of his car.

Babys’ attachment to music is as a result of a childhood trauma. As a boy he was in a car accident that claimed his parents’ lives and as a result of the accident he developed tinnitus - a humming in his ears. He listens to music constantly to drown out the humming noise. Especially when he drives. He has a deaf friend he cares for who he calls “pops” and makes mixes on tape of gang members secret conversations.

Toscana Living | 16

Baby frequents a diner where his mother was a waitress.

There he meets Deborah (Lily James), a waitress who dreams of a better life. A budding romance begins and Baby begins to think he has a future- and can get away from Doc. Doc tells Baby he only has to do one more job and he is done. Doc assembles a gang of misfits, a violent group to pull off a big heist. One of the biggest pluses of the movie is its supporting cast. The gang members are made up of Jamie Foxx as “Bats”, an extremely violent and volatile man. John Hamm is “Buddy”, an ex Wall Street broker who ran off with his favorite stripper.

He is deranged and menacing. Baby is an odd fit for this group.

He is an accidental criminal.

But he is charming and vulnerable. You know he doesn’t belong with these guys.

The last 30 minutes of the movie is high octane, a beautiful orgy of violence, action drama, and love.

Edgar Wright’s Baby Driver is loaded with cool music and is one of the most entertaining thrill rides in theatres this summer. It is playing in Harkins theaters throughout the valley. It runs for 113 minutes and is rated R for violence, language and sensuality.

TL Advertise with Toscana Living Emailed to Toscana Residents weekly.

Contact Alicja Davis at 480-585-0808 or adavis@toscanaliving.net

Toscana Living | 17